County standouts earn MAC all-star honors

A quartet of basketball standouts will represent New Albany and Union County in this year’s Mississippi Association of Coaches all-star games.

Making the cut this year are Myrtle’s Aspriona Gilbert and Robert Montgomery, along with New Albany’s Moses Kingsley and Jazmine Spears. Gilbert will play in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star game next week. The senior led the Lady Hawks in scoring (23.2 ppg), blocks (2.5 bpg) and rebounds (10.8 rpg), earning the Austin Peay signee her second consecutive selection in the MAC all-star games. Gilbert also played in last year’s junior all-star game. “Very deserving,” coach Chris Greer said. “She’s a great kid and definitely one of the best in the state, so I’m proud of her selection.” Hickory Flat’s Anthony Tucker will join Gilbert, playing in the boys game. Both senior contests are slated for next Friday, March 16, at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala. Selected to the Mississippi North/South junior all-star game this year are a trio of standouts, who highlight a talented class for 2013. Kingsley and Spears, along with Montgomery, will showcase their talents during the July 10 contest. Kingsley helped lead the Bulldogs to a 7-0 division record, earning a third consecutive region championship. The 6’9 junior led the ‘Dawgs in scoring (12.4 ppg) rebounds (10.5 rpg) and blocks (7 bpg), guiding New Albany to an 18-10 finish this season. “I’m very proud of him,” coach Brad Gray said. “He is very well deserving of this honor, as he continuously works hard in the weight room and on the court. Couldn’t happen to a better kid.” Also representing NAHS is Spears, whose season was cut short due to illness, but led the Lady ‘Dawgs in every statistic category. “This is a great honor for Jazmine, and I’m excited for her and how she continues to represent our team,” coach John Stroud said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to watch her play in it.” Montgomery guided the Hawks in another playoff run, leading Myrtle in all statistic categories and is consistently among the best players on Coach Jonathan Ashley’s squad. “This is an honor he is very well deserving of,” Ashley said. “He’s been a vital part of our program as a four-year starter and helping us win north half for the three years prior to this one. Any time players receive an honor like this, it’s great, and he’s done an awful lot to earn this.” The North/South All-Star game will be played at Mississippi College in Clinton.